CNN Future Summit forum

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- A new breed of life-saving robot is being developed that take their shape and movement from snakes, and, it is hoped, will prove invaluable not only in search and rescue operations but also be a great asset to human surgery. (Full story)

How much does the natural world inform our technological developments?

The natural world can inform technology extensively when it comes to versatility and adaptability. All the different methods used to create motion from climbing, jumping, crawling and walking are areas technology needs to study. If technology can learn to duplicate the full range of motions effectively, this could prove, and has already proven in some instances, to be invaluable to saving lives. One of the most important sources of input that really needs to be listened to, is from emergency service personnel. As costly it may be at present to duplicate the full range motions of the natural world, it does not mean that we can not continue to study and learn. Roger Penny, Virginia, USA